Astronics / EADS / Racal 3151A+ 100MS/s Waveform Generator

The Astronics/EADS/Racal 3151A+ is a VXIbus arbitrary waveform generator that combines function generation and arbitrary waveform synthesis in a single C-size module. Operating at 100 MS/s with 12-bit vertical resolution, it delivers up to 16 V peak-to-peak into 50 Ω and supports waveform memory up to 512 k standard. The instrument generates standard waveforms—sine, square, triangle, ramp, pulse, DC, exponential and Gaussian pulse—across multiple frequency ranges, and sequences up to 4096 arbitrary waveforms using high-speed download. Built-in triggering modes include immediate, delayed (up to 2M wave points), single waveform, burst, and sequential operation. Output impedance is 50 Ω ±1%. Power consumption remains under 25 W.

## Technical Specifications

• **Sampling Rate:** 100 MS/s
• **Vertical Resolution:** 12 bits
• **Waveform Memory:** Up to 512 k standard
• **Standard Waveform Frequency Range:** 100 Hz to 50 MHz; 1.5 kHz to 100 MHz
• **Arbitrary/Sequenced Waveforms:** Up to 150 MS/s (subject to backplane limits)
• **Output Amplitude:** 16 V peak-to-peak into 50 Ω
• **Output Impedance:** 50 Ω ±1%
• **Power Consumption:** < 25 W
• **Form Factor:** Single slot, C-size VXI module
• **VXIbus Compliance:** VXIbus 3.0

## Key Features

• Eight built-in waveform functions including triangle, sine, sinc, square, ramp, pulse, DC, exponential and Gaussian pulse
• Sequencing capability for up to 4096 waveforms with high-speed sequence download
• Flexible triggering: immediate, delayed (up to 2M wave points), single waveform, burst, or sequence modes
• WaveCAD™ software for custom arbitrary waveform creation
• BNC front-panel I/O connectors
• Clock and reference inputs (NECL, 50 Ω ±5%; TTL or 0 dBm sine)

## Typical Applications

Signal distortion simulation, power line cycle dropout testing, video signal generation, component failure emulation, power supply transient testing, and modulation source development for encoding scheme troubleshooting.

## Compatibility & Integration

VXIplug&play drivers support Windows 98, NT, and 2000 with LabWindows/CVI and LabVIEW integration. The 3151B successor provides emulation for 3151, 3151A, and 3151A+ models.